Blitzen Trapper and Fleet Foxes

Friday, April 4, at the Grog Shop, Cleveland Heights.

Blitzen Trapper and Fleet Foxes reflect just how expansive indie record companies (in this case, Sub Pop) have become. The six-member Trapper comes off a lot like that crazy homeless dude you see on your lunch break, who yells at you for no apparent reason. The band can certainly shred (check out "Miss Spiritual Tramp"), but it's not afraid to try some roots-rock, banjo-plucking, and weirdo-electro stuff too. Expect loud, expect soft, but most of all expect a mind-fuck of a performance. After a rave Pitchfork review and hotly attended SXSW gigs, Fleet Foxes is emerging as one of 2008's breakthrough bands. On its self-titled EP, it combines '60s psych-folk and group-hug harmonies — sorta like a distorted Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Onstage, they recreate the vibe perfectly, balancing gruff and laid-back cool.